Original subtitles

[Agnes MacKenzie] Previously, on The Testaments...

The Aunts decide our contenders today.

[Shunammite] Two to three suitors each, usually.

Then house visits. Then weddings.

Then prison for the rest of our lives.

[Paula] Your matches are a success.

This is Commander Weston.

This is the Commander to impress.

Is this it? I'm in love.

-Who? -Garth.

Commander Olson has a beachfront property with over 50 acres,

but Commander Pierce has a 10 handicap in golf.

Agnes, who did you get?

Commander Pritzger, Commander Riley, and Commander Weston.

Weston runs the Eyes, my Martha says.

-Have you gotten any matches? -Commander Chapin.

-Who is he? -My Guardian.

-Please don't marry him. -I don't get to choose any of this!

I don't want to marry anyone!

-He's your match, right? -Yeah. That's him.

[Shunammite] They're investigating the Mayday attack.

I overheard my father this morning.

No, no, no, no, no! No, no!

[screaming]

I have my first Green appointment today with the tailor.

And then soon, your dad to get my teeth whitened.

[Aunt Estee] You are not blameless, girls!

Shame upon any of you that tempt a man!

Did you have a nice visit with Becka?

[Commander Weston] I have to say, Agnes is very impressive.

Is there anything you'd like to ask me?

I only hope I can measure up to your expectations of a wife.

[♪ "Sweet Jane" by Cowboy Junkies playing]

♪ Anyone who's ever had a heart ♪

♪ Wouldn't turn around and break it ♪

♪ And anyone who's ever played a part ♪

♪ Wouldn't turn around and hate it ♪

[Agnes MacKenzie] I had a rich fantasy life.

Even in Gilead, that was possible.

The only difference here was that I believed that God knew about it.

And judged me.

♪ Oh, sweet, sweet Jane ♪

♪ Heavenly wine and roses ♪

♪ Seem to whisper to me ♪

♪ When you smile ♪

♪ When you smile ♪

♪ When you smile ♪

[♪ music distorts, deep rumbling bass overpowers]

[Agnes] Becka was going to marry Garth.

I wasn't supposed to know yet, but Paula let it slip,

so I found out before the others.

When I first heard, my chest started burning

like I was swallowing hot wax.

Like I was being scraped raw from the inside.

I guess I was.

[♪ "Sweet Jane" resumes playing]

♪ La-la-la-la, la-la-la ♪

[Agnes] But I couldn't be angry at Becka.

She didn't have a choice.

None of us did.

[♪ dark, ominous music plays]

[plate shatters]

[laughter and applause]

Praise be.

[Agnes] Welcome to my engagement. Praise be His mercy.

-[applause continues] -[Commander Weston] Masterfully done.

[Agnes] I have to glue the plate back together before my wedding.

The remade plate is more precious because it's been lovingly restored.

Destruction and resurrection.

Congratulations on your betrothal.

Sweetheart.

Okay, picture time!

-Come on. -Guess I'm up.

[Paula] Yes, yes, right over there.

-And, dear, right here. -Yes.

Looking good.

[Agnes] I was to enter marriage a properly broken woman.

Just as God meant me to be.

Just as my husband expected.

♪♪

[water fountain trickling]

[birds chirping]

Blessed day.

And congratulations...

on your engagement.

Thanks.

Same to you.

He's blessed us both.

Blessed day.

[school bell ringing]

[students chattering]

[porcelain pieces clinking]

[♪ whimsical music playing]

[porcelain pieces clinking]

Blessed day! Who'd you get?

-[rod smacking] -Silence!

[Aunt Vidala] Come along, girls. In we go.

♪♪

You won't be following Agnes today.

Wha-- What? Why not?

Curiosity is the Devil at work.

You'll be down the hall today.

[rod smacks]

You too, Shunammite. Off you go, the both of you.

[Shunammite] Hm.

Why are we in trouble?

Copulation class. Must be.

Oh.

Eligible girls only.

But I'm sure you know all about that stuff.

Yeah. I know about copulation.

I don't need to tell you, though.

You seem to know everything.

[♪ whimsical music continues, stops]

Do you know what happened to Talia?

The Pearl Girl who was taken by the Eyes?

[Shunammite] She won't be back.

But, what if she didn't do anything wrong?

Well, if the Eyes took her, then she did something wrong.

Come on. We have a lame class to get to.

[drapes loudly rattle]

[Agnes] We had waited so long to hear this.

The mysteries of life.

The mysteries of marriage.

What would happen when we shared a bed with our husbands?

[Aunt Vidala] Lord, please keep these girls' minds free from sin today.

To teach creation is a delicate path,

and we endeavor to step only where You wish.

-Amen. -[Plums] Amen.

[rod thumps]

God's Sacred Vessel.

Each of you has one.

This is where your baby will grow.

But only if you are God-fearing girls

and He chooses to bless you with child.

On your wedding night,

when it is time for you to endeavor to create new life,

your husband will instruct,

and you will follow.

As long as you stay meek and deferential,

your husband will guide your hand in your wifely duties

as in all things.

As Ephesians tells us,

"Wives, you shall obey your husband in everything,

as you would obey the Lord."

Now, let's move on to pregnancy and prenatal nutrition.

[Agnes] Our education was left wanting.

-[stall door closes] -[sighs]

[urinating]

What is taking you so long?

I'll just be a minute.

[water sloshing]

What's in there?

[Daisy breathing shakily]

You?!

[breathing heavily]

This isn't fair!

Even a Pearl Girl gets her period before I do?

Why is God doing this to me?

[softly] Please don't tell anyone.

I'm the one who eats organic vegetables and drinks clean water,

and you...

grew up in garbage!

What are you doing?

You have to show that to the Aunts so that you can ring the bell.

I c-- I can't.

They'll make me get married.

Of course they will.

Why do you think you're here, Daisy?

On Earth?

Shunammite...

[whispering] please don't tell anyone.

Shunammite...

-[whistle blows] -[students chattering, laughing]

[mallet thwacking]

When do you think Aunt Lydia will make announcements?

[Hulda] Mm.

[mallet thwacks]

Are you okay?

Yes. Pray, why wouldn't I be?

Are you disappointed with your engagement?

[whistle blows]

He's nice.

[sniffles] He's fine. He said maybe we could get a dog.

[players chattering in distance]

[mallet thwacking]

[mallet thwacks]

What is it?

[voice shaking] I had a cleaning with Dr. Grove.

-Never mind. -No, what happened?

[breathing heavily] Hulda, tell me.

-Please. -You won't say anything?

I promise.

[♪ tense, solemn music playing]

[voice shaking] He took my hand...

and...

he pressed it against his body.

I didn't-- I didn't know what to do.

I betrayed the flesh and His word

and now I'm gonna burn in Hell for ever and ever and ever and ever.

You need to tell the Aunts.

No. No, I sinned. I...

I tempted him.

It's my fault. I lured him.

I ensnared him with my body. I ensnared Becka's dad.

He's not supposed to do that.

Only your husband is.

You need to tell the Aunts.

-They will help you! -No. No, I can't!

The Aunts, they'll freak out and--

-They will help you. -Everyone will know!

[♪ tense music playing]

"Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid, for the Lord God is with you."

[softly] I'm with you, Hulda.

[♪ tense music continues]

I bet you think I was being a real shit.

I told myself I wasn't quite sure what Dr. Grove had done to me,

so Hulda had to be the one to speak out.

[♪ "Sweet Jane" resumes]

Until Hulda, I had been able to lie to myself.

♪♪

♪ Anyone who's ever had a heart ♪

[muffled, echoing voice] Agnes?

[voice shouting, echoing] Agnes!

Agnes, help me!

I have to help her!

[gasping] I have to help her.

I have to help her.

[Hulda] Agnes?

I have to help her!

[muffled screaming]

[no audio]

[loud thud]

[Aunt Vidala] [muffled]

[normal] Bless us, oh God, and these Thy gifts,

which we are about to receive from Thy bounty.

Blessed be the fruit, girls.

[girls] May the Lord open.

[chairs creaking]

When each of you first entered the gates of this institution,

it was with one goal in mind...

-Is this a thing? -Shh.

[Aunt Lydia] ...to prepare you for tomorrow.

For marriage. Motherhood. Serving God.

Today, we rejoice for the daughters of Gilead

who have taken that first step.

Blessings on Constance Wickhem, who is to marry Commander Moore...

-[applause] -[Constance squealing]

[Aunt Lydia] ...on Jehosheba Yardarm,

who is to marry Commander Caldwell.

-[applause] -Praise be!

[Aunt Lydia] Blessings on Rebecka Grove,

who is to marry soon-to-be Commander Chapin...

[applause continues]

[Aunt Lydia] ...on Miriam Dawson, who is to marry Commander Lewis...

-[applause] -Commander Colonies.

[Aunt Lydia] ...on Hulda Marie Edwardson,

who is to marry Commander Thomas.

[applause continues]

And blessings on Agnes MacKenzie,

who is to wed Commander Weston,

a man chosen by God to lead and protect.

[cheering and applause]

Congratulations on your betrothals.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

[all] Amen.

-[excited chattering] -Praise be His name.

You all are engaged.

[excited chatter continues]

We did it.

[tableware clinking]

Have you been to Commander Thomas's house yet?

Yes.

-Is it big? -Mm-hmm.

Paula must love all the wedding planning.

Yeah.

[indistinct chatter and laughter]

My mom said Chapin's father was a big Commander back in the day.

The pedigree does matter, I guess.

You dodged a bullet.

They let me decide.

I chose Garth.

[utensils clatter]

Garth?

Guardian Chapin?

He's my fiancé now.

Congratulations.

Does your Pearl Girl always have to sit with us?

She's my friend.

Okay, why is everybody being so touchy?

Today is supposed to be about having fun.

Can't we just have fun?

[tableware clinking]

Who do you think is going to throw the first engagement party?

[Becka] Me.

The invitations are being hand-delivered today.

First party of the season.

Nice.

[excited chatter and laughter continue]

[sounds distorting into loud cacophony]

[cacophony fades]

[quiet chewing]

It's too cloying.

You've tried seven cakes and haven't liked a single bite.

This tasting was a courtesy, Agnes.

Commander, what do you think?

Well, me... [scoffs]

I like 'em all. But, I have a bit of a sweet tooth.

I'm really happy to keep tasting samples, actually.

[clicking tongue]

Put a pin in the Chantilly cream.

[doorbell ringing]

Have a look at the flower arrangements. Hmm?

Hopefully, they won't be as unpleasant.

[door opening]

If you don't like any of these cakes, we're gonna find you something else.

Whatever Mrs. MacKenzie picked will be fine.

No, it's your wedding, it's not hers.

I want this to be fun for you. Especially the cake part.

[sighs] I mean, the-- the greeting people

sounds a little bit like torture but...

[distant chattering]

Agnes.

I'm really excited about our future together.

I was kinda hoping that excitement might be contagious.

[approaching footsteps]

An invitation to Becka's engagement party.

First of the season. Someone was prepared.

Any choices?

[Agnes] This one's really beautiful.

[Paula] Mm-hmm.

Calla lilies, yeah.

May I urge you to reconsider the ranunculus?

It's so elegant.

I don't want to reconsider the ranunculus, Paula.

I think Agnes has made our choice.

Wonderful.

Calla lilies it is.

[Plums chattering]

Congratulations on Weston.

Thanks. You, too.

My Martha says his is one of the better colonies.

Agriculture, not toxic waste or anything.

But my mother still won't come out of her room.

Agnes, Aunt Vidala would like to see you in Aunt Lydia's office. This way.

[door creaking]

Have a seat, Agnes.

I know Hulda spoke to you and cast some aspersions

upon one of the upstanding men in our community.

After our talk,

she realized she was confused

and that it was her own ill imagination at work.

I want to make sure that this episode of... misunderstanding

goes no further than this room.

We wouldn't want to jeopardize Hulda's engagement in any way.

She made a mistake.

We need not speak of it again.

Do you agree?

[♪ tense music playing]

Yes, Aunt Vidala.

Now you definitely think I'm a shit.

I had sent Hulda into the coal mine like a canary.

And when I saw her gasping for air,

I bolted for the exit.

Don't worry. I think I'm a shit, too.

Agnes? Agnes, I'm really, really sorry.

-I was just confused. I'm so sorry, Agnes. -Hulda. Hulda, listen. Listen.

Listen.

[whispering] You have so much to look forward to right now.

Think about your engagement.

[♪ melancholy music playing]

[softly] You're gonna live a great life, Hulda.

I believe that.

You do?

[clacking]

[looms rattling]

Aunt Gabbana?

[Aunt Gabbana] Yes, Constance?

I can't find my embroidery project.

What was it?

A potholder with stars and moons.

[Aunt Gabbana] I'm sure it'll turn up.

Why don't you use the loom today?

You can start on some placemats.

-[Constance] Yes, Aunt Gabbana. -[looms rattling]

[school bell ringing]

[students chattering]

I know you stole it.

From Constance.

You have to give it back.

Trust me, she wouldn't want it back now.

How long are you gonna try to hide it from the Aunts?

Why do you care anyway?

Do you really want to be known as the last prepubescent girl standing?

[softly] I've done everything.

Everything that I'm supposed to.

[breathing shakily]

And I'm the one who's going to die an old, withered prune.

[softly] You're not.

I was just saying that.

Every day, my mom asks me if I've had any cramping.

Any twinges? Zip.

I've had to watch all of my friends get it and act happy for them.

And... now you.

Well, you don't need to act happy for me.

I'm not happy about it.

[sniffles] A Pearl Girl is going to get married before me.

It's so humiliating.

Not if they never find out.

You won't be able to hide it forever.

You lucky slut.

I can't let my parents down.

My little brother was one of the 68 taken on The Night of Tears.

Angel's Flight?

My mother keeps a picture of him in a locket around her neck.

I can't be barren.

I can't.

She doesn't deserve that.

[sniffles]

I'm really sorry, Shunammite.

You can call me Shu.

Cool.

[♪ soft, melancholy music playing]

[Shunammite continues crying]

So, um...

[Shunammite sniffling]

...do you want to know what sex is?

[sniffles] Yes. I do.

Tell me everything.

Well, everything's quite a lot in this case, but, um,

men have a penis,

and it gets hard when they get turned on.

Well, like, aroused.

And when it's hard, they can insert it into a woman's vagina like a rod.

And then eventually, it will release this liquid.

Basically, microscopic cells are in this liquid,

and sometimes, these cells can swim up through the woman

and fertilize an egg.

And... that's how a baby's made.

Wow.

Honestly, wow.

[chuckles]

Swim up?

Rod of flesh?

You must think I'm very stupid.

[scoffs]

Swim up?!

[door closes]

[people chattering]

[Pinks giggling]

[♪ cheerful music playing]

[guests chattering]

[indistinct chatter]

[♪ cheerful music continues playing]

That's Garth's dad?

What happened to him?

Rosa said he led the fight to keep Boston.

She said they would have lost it days sooner if it weren't for him.

[indistinct chatter]

Don't they have Marthas for that?

I've only seen, like, two Marthas.

Well, I guess you don't need any Marthas

when you live in a house this small.

[♪ light piano music playing]

Hello, sweetheart.

Is Becka having a good time?

Um, I don't know. I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet.

Soon we'll be having your engagement party.

Does that make you happy?

I'm happy if you're happy.

[guests chattering]

You're all so young.

But it makes sense to do it this way with the birth rates so low.

Societal norms need to shift.

We have to go with the science.

[indistinct chatter]

Do you like Commander Weston?

He's the right choice, I think.

And your mother is pleased to be planning the wedding.

She does like to plan.

She's already pushing to secure a Handmaid for us.

[sighs]

You know how she is once she gets an idea in her head.

[whispering] It's going to be okay, Dad.

[whispering] Go.

Have a good time at the party.

Don't waste it hanging around with a grumpy old man.

[both chuckle]

[guests chattering]

Penny's here.

-[Shunammite] Hi. -It's so good to see you.

-Hey. -How are you feeling?

We've all been praying for you.

That's so nice.

I'm just-- I'm really tired.

Um, Michael's bringing the car around for me.

You're leaving already?

But I'll see you soon, I hope.

[Penny sighs]

I don't think she's washed her hair.

[guests chattering]

[exhales] Blessed day.

Hi.

What's new?

Nothing.

This house has such a mediocre flow.

Don't think it was meant for parties.

Hulda, what's the color scheme of your engagement?

Uh, I haven't decided yet.

Well, I'm doing mint green and pink, so... not those.

Come with me to congratulate the couple?

Hulda and I already congratulated them.

Come on. You could do yellow and blue?

[guest] We're so happy for you.

-Congratulations, Becka. -Enjoy the party.

[guest] Hi.

Congratulations.

May the Lord shine a light upon your union.

Thank you.

Thanks.

I wish you both happiness. Truly.

[glass shattering]

[people gasping]

Can you take him outside? He needs some fresh air.

Yeah, of course.

Ma'am? Would you like me to help...?

Oh, yes. I-If you would.

[guests murmuring]

[whispering] You're good.

[glass thuds on table]

He can't understand.

What happened to him?

He was poisoned.

It was an assassination attempt by Mayday.

[exhales] Freud would have a field day with you.

Freud?

-Yeah, he was a German psych-- -Yeah, I'm kidding.

I know who Freud is.

And he was Viennese.

Listen, my father is the bravest man I've ever known.

He was just fighting for the wrong side.

[birds chirping]

[Garth sighs]

How are you gonna get out of this?

Your wedding?

I'm not gonna get out of it.

You don't love her.

I never expected that.

Not in the way that you mean. I--

I never expected to fall in love with anyone.

Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?

I got my period.

Blessed be the fruit?

-Are you kidding me? -What?

I need you to get me some, like, tampons or something I can flush or hide--

Yeah, but... [stammering] I don't know what those are.

Fuck's sake. Figure it out!

If the Aunts find out, they'll marry me off.

[breathing shakily]

I need you to get me out of here.

I'm done.

There is no "done."

I'm not gonna stay here forever.

-I never signed up for that. -Not forever.

Just until we win.

Call June. She'll get me out.

I already told you. I don't know who June is.

[Daisy] How is that possible?

I'm your handler, okay?

I have a handler, too. That's as far as it goes for me.

[♪ soft, dramatic music playing]

[whispering] Look, I want to destroy Gilead.

A lot of people risked everything to get you in here

because you said you wanted the same thing.

So...

what do you want, Daisy?

It stands to reason. We have less oversight

leading us to have more results.

[Aunt Lydia] Commander Weston.

Excuse me. Aunt Lydia!

Blessed day.

Under His eye, Commander.

I wanted to talk to you about the Pearl Girl that was taken.

Well, our investigation's ongoing.

She came here seeking a fresh start.

I feel a sense of responsibility for her.

Well, your only responsibility is to God

and His government here on Earth.

Now, I hope to see you at our wedding,

because you have done an exemplary job with the girls.

And that is where your focus should remain.

Ah.

Blessed be the fruit.

May the Lord open.

Hmm.

Do you think Becka looks okay?

[Shunammite] She's a tough Plum. She can handle this.

Yeah, you're right.

Blessed day, girls.

[Shunammite] Thank you so much for having us.

You and Mrs. Grove have arranged a wonderful celebration.

Well, we're all very proud of Becka.

God has smiled upon us.

And I hear congratulations are in order for you girls.

We'll get you in tip-top shape at your appointment next week.

-Thank you, Dr. Grove. -[Dr. Grove] Mm.

And I'll be seeing you too again, Agnes.

Make sure that, uh, onlay is settling in properly.

[slurping]

Have you guys seen any caviar?

Mrs. Grove always overcompensates.

[guests chattering and laughing]

Agnes!

What a blessed gathering, isn't it?

-[Agnes politely chuckles] -You must try the pigs-in-a-blanket.

They're quite pleasing.

No, thank you, Aunt Lydia.

Are you enjoying yourself, dear?

Aunt Lydia, I imagine Aunt Vidala has talked to you about the other day?

With Hulda.

Hmm.

Mm-hmm.

She's telling the truth.

I'm sure of it.

I-- I'm very sure, Aunt Lydia.

Agnes,

when you are a married woman,

and a very powerful one at that, given your match,

you won't have to go back to the dentist anymore.

And neither will Hulda.

"The wicked and enemies of the Lord will perish;

like smoke they will drift away."

-But, Aunt Lydia, what-- -They who wait for the Lord

shall renew their strength.

[♪ soft, tense music playing]

[Agnes] I didn't realize Aunt Lydia was telling me

Dr. Grove would be dealt with.

[Aunt Lydia sighs heavily]

[Plums chattering]

Mrs. MacKenzie's looking for you.

She can fly down here on her broomstick.

[soft chuckle]

I'll be up in a minute.

Wait. Here.

Come quick. Hurry.

Put them in your cloak.

[whispering] Shu told you?

Who else did she tell? The Aunts?

No. No, she would never.

You don't turn on your friends, ever.

[softly] Not here, at least.

Yet it's your best friend's engagement party,

and you're here,

hiding from her.

You don't understand.

You're in love with Garth.

[softly] He's not the reason I can't go back up.

I can't be around Becka's dad.

[whispering] He did things to me.

[voice breaking] Things that shouldn't have been done.

[whispering] I'm... I'm so sorry that happened to you.

[voice shaking] You're the only one I can tell.

[exhales sharply]

I didn't want to sully anyone else.

It's not your fault.

You know that, right?

[crying] What if he saw lust in me?

Not for him. For Garth.

-And he saw my desires and-- -I know it's easier to blame yourself

than to blame him.

-[Agnes crying] -But listen to me.

[Agnes sniffles]

You need to tell Aunt Lydia.

Okay?

I'll come with you if you're scared.

[softly, voice breaking] I already did tell her.

Not just me.

And what's she gonna do about it?

[Daisy softly gasps]

[Agnes sniffles]

[softly] I'm really glad you told me.

[♪ intense music playing]

[Agnes] I couldn't possibly have known what Daisy was going to do.

Like I said before.

Never trust a fucking Pearl Girl.

[♪ intense music continues playing]

[insects chirring]

[rooster crowing]